Good to see the Caps end the four-game slide and what a game from Kozlov - he was a man possessed in the second period.

Glad for the win, especially against a team like the Sens, but I'd really like to see production from somone other than Kozlov, Nylander and Ovechkin. Otherwise, I'd like THN to inquire with Caps Management about their thoughts on the possibility of acquiring some help on the next PodCast. This team should be good enough to make the playoffs.

GSPODS wrote:Glad for the win, especially against a team like the Sens, but I'd really like to see production from somone other than Kozlov, Nylander and Ovechkin. Otherwise, I'd like THN to inquire with Caps Management about their thoughts on the possibility of acquiring some help on the next PodCast. This team should be good enough to make the playoffs.

Where exactly do you suggest that they find this magical talent? A Cracker Jack box?

What do you think teams will just go, "here... have our best players to build your team."

It's going to take time for the team to roll into shape and they've already made enough changes to point to chemistry as an issue. You can't just jettison guys and fill the holes with aging veterans that have performed in the past - surely Redskin fans understand that, and Leafs fans have been watching Toronto try to band-aid short-comings for over a decade. It doesn't work.

I think the Caps would be very open to acquiring another player or two, but patience has been the mantra for management and I don't think that will change. This team is predicated on drafting players and developing them within the system. You have to take the crunchy with the smooth.

There's NO DOUBT that the team doesn't presently have a lot of talent DEPTH but at the same time... being without THREE of your best players in such scenarios, really, really hurts the team's make-up.

I'm not trying to trivialize the lack of depth, but getting Semin and Clark back healthy will be the same as acquiring two top six forwards. Not to mention that Poti was brought in to EAT minutes and isn't even playing right now.

Do the Caps need more talent? Maybe. But they certainly need more time and some luck with injuries before they even think about addressing the overall roster IMO.

We're 16 games in, not 60... and maybe some people aren't aware of it, but the Caps are amazingly just two points out of the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Why on earth would they panic and start changing their overall philosophy to put up an extra win or two?

I hope they stick to their guns, get Semin, Clark and Poti back, and start gelling into shape and playing like a playoff team each and every night. If they can manage that, then I'd look for a veteran addition at the trade deadline for a playoff run. Even then it would only be if that player could be acquired without mortgaging the future - and if last year's deadline is any indication - that won't happen. Many teams gave up multiple top draft picks to obtain talent last year and went nowhere. The two teams that were criticized fairly heavily for NOT making deals and keeping their existing line-ups - the Sens and the Ducks - went to the Stanley Cup finals.

GSPODS wrote:Glad for the win, especially against a team like the Sens, but I'd really like to see production from somone other than Kozlov, Nylander and Ovechkin. Otherwise, I'd like THN to inquire with Caps Management about their thoughts on the possibility of acquiring some help on the next PodCast. This team should be good enough to make the playoffs.

Where exactly do you suggest that they find this magical talent? A Cracker Jack box?

What do you think teams will just go, "here... have our best players to build your team."

It's going to take time for the team to roll into shape and they've already made enough changes to point to chemistry as an issue. You can't just jettison guys and fill the holes with aging veterans that have performed in the past - surely Redskin fans understand that, and Leafs fans have been watching Toronto try to band-aid short-comings for over a decade. It doesn't work.

I think the Caps would be very open to acquiring another player or two, but patience has been the mantra for management and I don't think that will change. This team is predicated on drafting players and developing them within the system. You have to take the crunchy with the smooth.

There's NO DOUBT that the team doesn't presently have a lot of talent DEPTH but at the same time... being without THREE of your best players in such scenarios, really, really hurts the team's make-up.

I'm not trying to trivialize the lack of depth, but getting Semin and Clark back healthy will be the same as acquiring two top six forwards. Not to mention that Poti was brought in to EAT minutes and isn't even playing right now.

Do the Caps need more talent? Maybe. But they certainly need more time and some luck with injuries before they even think about addressing the overall roster IMO.

We're 16 games in, not 60... and maybe some people aren't aware of it, but the Caps are amazingly just two points out of the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Why on earth would they panic and start changing their overall philosophy to put up an extra win or two?

I hope they stick to their guns, get Semin, Clark and Poti back, and start gelling into shape and playing like a playoff team each and every night. If they can manage that, then I'd look for a veteran addition at the trade deadline for a playoff run. Even then it would only be if that player could be acquired without mortgaging the future - and if last year's deadline is any indication - that won't happen. Many teams gave up multiple top draft picks to obtain talent last year and went nowhere. The two teams that were criticized fairly heavily for NOT making deals and keeping their existing line-ups - the Sens and the Ducks - went to the Stanley Cup finals.

I can see (after having read it to myself) how you interpreted that post. I was not by any means thinking about another "Jaromir Jagr" type of deal nor of a "Dump & Chase" approach, as in dumping the roster and chasing high-priced free agents, but more along the lines of perhaps there is a role player or two who would add depth to a team rife with injuries. Granted, there are more than enough hockey games left to turn the season completely around. Someone had posted that Poti was back for the Atlanta game. Is he out again?

GSPODS wrote:I can see (after having read it to myself) how you interpreted that post. I was not by any means thinking about another "Jaromir Jagr" type of deal nor of a "Dump & Chase" approach, as in dumping the roster and chasing high-priced free agents, but more along the lines of perhaps there is a role player or two who would add depth to a team rife with injuries. Granted, there are more than enough hockey games left to turn the season completely around. Someone had posted that Poti was back for the Atlanta game. Is he out again?

I'm sorry my wording was bad.... I should have said 'hasn't been playing' instead of "isn't even playing'. yes, he's back now.

Not that it at all changes the sentiment of my post.

Role players? You mean like face-off specialists like David Steckel. Like penalty kill guys like Boyd Gordon and Brooks Laich?

They have role-players - it's their TOP TALENT that is underachieving... and some to much of that is due to injury. Why would they bring in third and fourth line players to improve their offense? Because that's their biggest short-coming and inconsistency right now.

I guess I just disagree with the philosophy. teams that make short-term adjustments through panic always just seem to fall short and additionally be without some future talent.

The Ducks won the Stanley Cup by dumping their 'talent' and going with the youth in their system... I personally think that Washington's path so far mandates that they try and follow the same philosophy.

Expecting Backstrom to come in at 19 and put up big numbers was a lot to ask... but now that the move has been mafe and the commitment cemented... they have to run with it now or risk killing the kid's confidence forever.

Flash's inability to 'hang' with the top dawgs has been a major sticking point for the caps too, but he had his best game as a cap last night.. so maybe he'll come around. Fehr still isn't playing. My point is merely that when you commit to your youth program... you can't just abandon it when you have growing pains. This team was always going to take at least a quarter of a season to find a groove... and with the considerable injuries - maybe even more. IMO, you don't give up on a 5-year plan because of 15 games of mediocre performance.

I WOULD like to see the Caps land another bona fide NHL defenseman... but EVERY team in the NHL wants another one too.

The Leafs will give you Brian McCabe for the special edition Alex Ovechkin coin handed out last year - I can try and broker that deal...

It won't help the Caps much, but it might prevent me from throwing a skate through my TV at some point this season. I'll donate my coin if need be...

GSPODS wrote:I can see (after having read it to myself) how you interpreted that post. I was not by any means thinking about another "Jaromir Jagr" type of deal nor of a "Dump & Chase" approach, as in dumping the roster and chasing high-priced free agents, but more along the lines of perhaps there is a role player or two who would add depth to a team rife with injuries. Granted, there are more than enough hockey games left to turn the season completely around. Someone had posted that Poti was back for the Atlanta game. Is he out again?

I'm sorry my wording was bad.... I should have said 'hasn't been playing' instead of "isn't even playing'. yes, he's back now.

Not that it at all changes the sentiment of my post.

Role players? You mean like face-off specialists like David Steckel. Like penalty kill guys like Boyd Gordon and Brooks Laich?

They have role-players - it's their TOP TALENT that is underachieving... and some to much of that is due to injury. Why would they bring in third and fourth line players to improve their offense? Because that's their biggest short-coming and inconsistency right now.

I guess I just disagree with the philosophy. teams that make short-term adjustments through panic always just seem to fall short and additionally be without some future talent.

The Ducks won the Stanley Cup by dumping their 'talent' and going with the youth in their system... I personally think that Washington's path so far mandates that they try and follow the same philosophy.

Expecting Backstrom to come in at 19 and put up big numbers was a lot to ask... but now that the move has been mafe and the commitment cemented... they have to run with it now or risk killing the kid's confidence forever.

Flash's inability to 'hang' with the top dawgs has been a major sticking point for the caps too, but he had his best game as a cap last night.. so maybe he'll come around. Fehr still isn't playing. My point is merely that when you commit to your youth program... you can't just abandon it when you have growing pains. This team was always going to take at least a quarter of a season to find a groove... and with the considerable injuries - maybe even more. IMO, you don't give up on a 5-year plan because of 15 games of mediocre performance.

I WOULD like to see the Caps land another bona fide NHL defenseman... but EVERY team in the NHL wants another one too.

The Leafs will give you Brian McCabe for the special edition Alex Ovechkin coin handed out last year - I can try and broker that deal...

It won't help the Caps much, but it might prevent me from throwing a skate through my TV at some point this season. I'll donate my coin if need be...

Just because you're a committed Leafs fan doesn't mean you have to start wishing Brian McCabe (10 Games, 2 Goals, 2 Assists, -6, 12 PIM) on the Caps or any other team. From what you're posting, it looks like the articles I've been reading are full of half-truths. As you are undoubtedly aware, newspapers and internet articles are not the most reliable source of impartial information. I don't actually get to see many Caps games because the area I live in is dominated by the "YES" network. Care to discuss the Rangers? I've seen more than enough of them and the Penguins this season.

You're undoubtedly right as far as not bailing on the building from within philosophy, especially with the questionable production of high-priced "veterans" and with the salary cap in place. The Redskins, Orioles, Wizards and Capitals have all done that in the past with poor results.

Last edited by GSPODS on Fri Nov 09, 2007 12:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.

The struggling Washington Capitals were an unlikely opponent to stop the red-hot Ottawa Senators, but they did just that on Thursday night.
Washington had lost four in a row and six of its last seven games, while Ottawa had won eight in a row. But the Senators got 27 saves from Olaf Kolzig and a goal and two assists in the second period from Viktor Kozlov in a surprising 4-1 victory at Scotiabank Place. ( 700K )
Kolzig said he could feel the win coming.

I live in the DC area, Comcast does a re-broadcast of the entire game the day after, that's what I have on right now. I also work for an employer kind enough to not only allow us to have TVs in our cubicles but to run cable to them for us.

From what you're posting, it looks like the articles I've been reading are full of half-truths. As you are undoubtedly aware, newspapers and internet articles are not the most reliable source of impartial information.

I'm just expressing my opinion... as I'm sure the pieces that you read were. I'm just an average Joe... what do I know?

I will say that I haven't exactly been awe-struck by the 'hockey knowledge' that I've come into contact with in the D.C. media. To me it just often seems like many of the guys have never even put on a pair of blades, or more importantly... lost some chicklets to an elbow... you can write as eloquently as Shakespeare, but to a long-time hockey fan, most of the pieces just come off as fluff.

I watched over 210 games of hockey last year though... I'd wager that not many in that Caps press box watched as many or even close to it.

Besides... expecting the modern sports media to take a longer term view of things than one day is actually just funny.

The Caps 'plan' is one that is definitely a more long term solution... build strength from within through the draft and augment it with some veterans - you know... just like the Skins do.

I actually really like the philosophy behind the Caps re-building, now it just remains to be seen if they can make it work. I really don't see it as a much different path than the Ducks have taken... and it worked out pretty well for them.

I think Mr. Leonsis and George McPhee will wait this out a bit longer before they start hitting the panic button. That isn't to say that they won't field any deal offers - I think it' safe to say that McPhee probably has his pokers in a lot of fires EVERY DAY of an NHL season - most good GMs do. I just don't see them giving up on any of their developed talent, and honestly, I just don't see a lot of viable trades this early in the season. Teams might look at moving to a youth movement later on in the year when their season has officially gone south for the season... but until then... most teams will be standing pat IMO.

I'll also add that now that the Caps have officially declared themselves 'out of the re-building phase' and on to a hopeful playoff run - there is definitely some onus to achieve.

It's a tough balancing act - I just think that they've come too far with the original plan to go back now. Live with the results, be patient with the injuries, and for the love of pete... Caps fans supporting the team sure wouldn't hurt any. Anyone who thinks that a team can stand proud playing in a half-empty arena is just kidding themselves.

Consider this - the junior team in my hometown built a shiny new arena a few years ago thanks to Caps legend Dale Hunter and his brother Mark. When they did it... the team just sucked (ask Cap John Erskine, he was there) and they played in a dingy old, dark arena that nobody wanted to go to. They built a state of the art facility and the people came - it literally improved the team INSTANTLY. They were just proud kids, playing in a nice place, in front of a full house - they came to play EVERY night - and it showed in their successes. Since that time... they are arguably the most successful franchise in Junior hockey and smashed some prolific records in the mean time. They also won their first Memorial Cup since I've been on the planet.

Bottom line - playing to a packed house made them play better - or at least with more pride.

From what you're posting, it looks like the articles I've been reading are full of half-truths. As you are undoubtedly aware, newspapers and internet articles are not the most reliable source of impartial information.

I'm just expressing my opinion... as I'm sure the pieces that you read were. I'm just an average Joe... what do I know?

I will say that I haven't exactly been awe-struck by the 'hockey knowledge' that I've come into contact with in the D.C. media. To me it just often seems like many of the guys have never even put on a pair of blades, or more importantly... lost some chicklets to an elbow... you can write as eloquently as Shakespeare, but to a long-time hockey fan, most of the pieces just come off as fluff.

I watched over 210 games of hockey last year though... I'd wager that not many in that Caps press box watched as many or even close to it.

Besides... expecting the modern sports media to take a longer term view of things than one day is actually just funny.

The Caps 'plan' is one that is definitely a more long term solution... build strength from within through the draft and augment it with some veterans - you know... just like the Skins do.

I actually really like the philosophy behind the Caps re-building, now it just remains to be seen if they can make it work. I really don't see it as a much different path than the Ducks have taken... and it worked out pretty well for them.

I think Mr. Leonsis and George McPhee will wait this out a bit longer before they start hitting the panic button. That isn't to say that they won't field any deal offers - I think it' safe to say that McPhee probably has his pokers in a lot of fires EVERY DAY of an NHL season - most good GMs do. I just don't see them giving up on any of their developed talent, and honestly, I just don't see a lot of viable trades this early in the season. Teams might look at moving to a youth movement later on in the year when their season has officially gone south for the season... but until then... most teams will be standing pat IMO.

I'll also add that now that the Caps have officially declared themselves 'out of the re-building phase' and on to a hopeful playoff run - there is definitely some onus to achieve.

It's a tough balancing act - I just think that they've come too far with the original plan to go back now. Live with the results, be patient with the injuries, and for the love of pete... Caps fans supporting the team sure wouldn't hurt any. Anyone who thinks that a team can stand proud playing in a half-empty arena is just kidding themselves.

Consider this - the junior team in my hometown built a shiny new arena a few years ago thanks to Caps legend Dale Hunter and his brother Mark. When they did it... the team just sucked (ask Cap John Erskine, he was there) and they played in a dingy old, dark arena that nobody wanted to go to. They built a state of the art facility and the people came - it literally improved the team INSTANTLY. They were just proud kids, playing in a nice place, in front of a full house - they came to play EVERY night - and it showed in their successes. Since that time... they are arguably the most successful franchise in Junior hockey and smashed some prolific records in the mean time. They also won their first Memorial Cup since I've been on the planet.

Bottom line - playing to a packed house made them play better - or at least with more pride.

Allow me to just state that I feel like a complete ass right now.
I just listened to the second THN On Ice PodCast.
If I had done that before commenting, I would have already had the answer to every question I typed and then some. Ted Leonsis addressed the rebuilding and the roster questions.
As long as I'm 'speaking' about the PodCast, great job Mark and Scott.
I learned more from a 63 minute PodCast than I did from over 25 hockey websites I've read this week.

So, I changed the title of this thread, since I didn't feel that it needed a whole seperate thread!

Saturday (12/29/07) and Yesterday (1/1/08 ) were two of the best games I've seen for the Caps offensively.

We beat them in Ottowa again (8-6) with Ovechkin not only getting the Hat-Trick, but getting an extra empty-netter

But more impressive was the win at home!

We bounced back from a 2-point defecit early in the first with three quick goals resulting in Gerber (goalie for the Sens) getting the bench (I don't think I've ever seen a goalie get yanked that early) and finished them off 6-3 with yet another empty netter.

We have moved up to fourth in our division, and are two-points shy of the two teams tied for second place.

And we did it beating the best team in the conference...twice!

With the 'Skins in the playoffs, and the Caps doing so well...how great is it to be a Washington fan right about now!